RAPID PCR-RFLP METHOD FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF MARINE FISH FILLETS (SEABASS, SEABREAM, UMBRINE AND DENTEX)

A rapid and reliable PCR-RFLP method was optimized to identify marine fish fillets. Seabass, seabream, umbrine, and dentex were considered in the study. After DNA extraction and PCR, the 359 bp amplification products, obtained from gene encoding the cytochrome b, were subjected to restriction enzyme analysis. All the enzymes tested were not able to distinguish all the 5 species at the same time, but the combination of the results obtained from the digestion HaeIII and NlaIII can be used to differentiate the fish fillets considered. The method described is sensitive, rapid, and reliable, and it could be used to expose fraudulent substitutions with less valu- able fish.